A gang of six robbers are targeting people in Coventry's showpiece public square Millennium Place, police have said.

They are urging people to be on their guard after a spate of robberies in and near the square. People have been mugged for purses, mobile phones and other items. In just two days over last weekend, eight people were mugged in the city centre and Hillfields areas.

Det Sgt Neil Corrigan, of the Little Park Street police robbery squad, said violence had been used in some of the attacks, which mainly took place between 9pm and 10pm.

He said: "We had a dramatic rise over the weekend. We just ask for extra vigilance from people, particularly when they are walking home from being out in the city centre.

"We are looking for a group of young males that we believe are responsible. We are keen to arrest these offenders before any serious violence is used."

He said people should try to avoid walking alone, or keep to main roads, and keep valuables, including mobile phones, out of sight.

Officers have been looking at CCTV footage taken in the areas of the robberies, in Lady Herbert's Garden, Millennium Place, White Street, Bird Street and Stoney Stanton Road, and "high visibility" patrols are being sent in to the city centre.

Earlier this month two 16-year-olds were robbed of their mobile phones as they walked through Millennium Place.

A gang of six men threatened the youngsters before taking their phones near the junction with Hales Street at about 6pm on Sunday, May 9.

Anyone with information about any robbery should call the robbery squad at Little Park Street on 0845 113 5000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. ben.griffin@mrn.co.uk